(ROSSLYN, VA)—The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has announced that MITA (the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance) has been awarded a grant of $207,140 from the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP).

This award will increase exports and expand patient access to diagnostic medical imaging, radiation therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals in emerging markets. MITA was one of only five nonprofit industry organizations to receive an MDCP award. Through this program, MITA will work cooperatively with ITA and other stakeholders to streamline government approval processes to reduce the time and cost it takes clinically proven diagnostic and therapeutic imaging products to reach patients in China and India.

According to Dave Fisher, executive director of MITA, “This funding and partnership will enhance MITA members’ ability to bring innovative imaging technologies to market, improve global access to life-saving therapies and diagnostic equipment and create good-paying jobs right here at home. MITA’s deep expertise in standards setting, our growing international operations, knowledge of, and experience in, regulatory arenas make us an ideal partner for this important Commerce Department program.”

“Through the partnership created by these awards, we will multiply the number of U.S. firms that receive help selling more of their goods and services abroad,” said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. “Exports projected to result from the five new projects will create or sustain more than 10,000 U.S. jobs.”

The three-year agreement will promote the harmonization of international standards, reduce unnecessary regulation, and expand market access to enhance the global competitiveness of MITA member companies including small and medium sized enterprises.

MITA, a division of NEMA, is the leading organization and collective voice of medical imaging equipment manufacturers, innovators, and product developers. It represents companies whose sales comprise more than 90 percent of the global market for medical imaging technology

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.